European Paper Talk: Barcelona to trigger Antoine Griezmann's release clause
Wednesday 11 October 2017 12:27, UK
The transfer window may be closed but clubs across Europe continue to pursue deals and put steps in place to strengthen their squads in January.
We asked our friends at Football Whispers to scour the continental media for the latest news and transfer rumours.
Spain
Barcelona are planning to trigger Antoine Griezmann's release clause before it doubles next summer. The Atletico Madrid forward's current deal contains a clause which means he can leave if a €100m (£89.3m) offer is made, but this doubles to €200m (£178.6m) in July. Barca will bid for the player before the World Cup gets underway in the summer, and hope to integrate him alongside Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi next season. (Mundo Deportivo)
Colombia international James Rodriguez wants to return to Real Madrid after a difficult start to life at Bayern Munich. Carlo Ancelotti's sacking has led to the playmaker becoming disillusioned at a club where he was already having difficulty settling in due to the change in climate, training regimes and language difficulties. (Diario Gol)
Italy
Italian legend Andrea Pirlo will retire at the end of the season and may take up a coaching role under former boss Antonio Conte at Chelsea. "An assistant to Conte? People are saying that," admitted Pirlo. "I have my ideas but I need time to decide. My future, I don't know yet. But I will return to Italy in December." (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Tottenham left-back Danny Rose is a Manchester United transfer target and could be on the move in January. The Englishman has been out of action with a knee injury since the start of the year but could return by November. Jose Mourinho will face competition from Chelsea for his signature, but United are thought to be in the driving seat. The form of Welsh left-back Ben Davies could mean Spurs are more open to selling the player. (Tuttomercato)
Marc Overmars will be appointed director of football at Arsenal next season as they plan for a future without Arsene Wenger. The experienced French manager has never been a fan of such a structure, but as he's likely to depart in the coming years the club are putting a plan together for future success.
Overmars, who enjoyed a successful playing career with the Gunners, has done the equivalent job at Ajax since 2012 and the club have won three league titles during that time. (Tuttomercato)
Germany
Liverpool midfielder Emre Can has described summer interest from Juventus as an "honour", and says he wouldn't rule out a move away from the Premier League. The German is out of contract in June and has long been linked with a move to the Italian champions.
"It's always an honour to receive an offer from such a renowned club, but currently I am only focused on the season with Liverpool," he said. "You never know what will happen, and I don't know whatJurgen Klopp plans." (Kicker)
France
Barcelona legend Xavi could take charge of the Qatar national team when he makes his first foray into coaching after retirement. Xavi is currently playing for Al Sadd SC, and when asked whether he would help develop Qatar's national side, he said: "We'll see. I need some experience, a staff, all that. But at least I have the advantage of knowing the Qatari players and the environment." (L'Equipe)
Portugal
Andre Carrillo wants to return to Benfica when his loan at Watford comes to an end. The winger has featured in five of Watford's seven Premier League fixtures but admits he hopes to return to Portugal. "I had to go out for more minutes, but I have the best memories of Benfica, to which I will return next season with more experience," he said. "I hope to have a good season at Watford and demonstrate my potential to merit a new opportunity at Benfica, the club that bet on me after leaving Sporting. I am very grateful for that." (O Jogo)
